Multifunctional portable telephone

ABSTRACT

A personal communication device includes a display for displaying data and video signals; a loudspeaker for generating an audible signal; a microphone for receiving an audio signal; a keypad for entering data; a telecommunications interface for receiving and transmitting information; and an internal multi-position and multi-function reading head for producing an image signal when in a first position using a first lensing and for reading for image conversion using a second lensing when in a second position.

This invention relates to portable video teleconferencing systems,portable data entry systems, portable computer systems, and toapplications of such systems and equipment for use therewith.

The present invention, known as the “Multiphone” is a multi-functionalhand held portable device, which provides a fully integrated videoteleconferencing, data entry, and image capture system. A preferredembodiment of the “Multiphone” comprises of the following elements:

An adjustable and/or interchangeable reading head for capturing dataand/or images.

A microphone and associated circuitry to eliminate much of thebackground noise to enable the capturing of audio data and/or voicedcommands.

Rewritable storage for storing information relating to such captureddata and/or images.

A controller to receive and process the input signals from the readinghead and/or microphone, to respond to sensed commands, and to controlthe function of the Multiphone.

A display screen for displaying a representation of the captured dataand/or images, and/or stored information.

A keypad and/or touch screen area to input commands and/or data.

A telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission and/orreception of information related to the captured data and/or imagesand/or stored information, to other compatible devices and/or remoteprocessing centres.

A Radio Frequency (RF) interface for RF transmission and/or reception ofinformation related to the captured data and/or images and/or storedinformation, to other compatible devices and/or remote processingcentres.

A standard RS232 interface for connection to other compatible devices,through a standard RS232 cable and/or radio frequency (RF) link.

Multiple Personal Computer Memory Card International Association(PCMCIA) slots to allow the loading of standard PCMCIA compatible Memoryand Input/Output (I/O) peripheral cards into the device to increase itsfunctionality.

Plug-in receptacles for a Video Display Unit (VDU) and a standardpersonal computer (PC) keyboard to allow the utilisation of the devicein a similar fashion to a personal computer terminal.

Plug-in receptacle for an earphone device.

The provision of the hand held unit having an integral reading head,controller, rewritable storage, display, touch screen area, keypad andtelecommunications interface enables the unit to be used in an efficientand self-contained manner for the capture, processing, storage, displayand transmission of data. In particular the inclusion of the displayallows the user to verify and/or view the data being captured withouttaking his or her eyes off the areas in which data capture is takingplace.

In a preferred embodiment of the device, the telecommunicationsinterface is integrated into the hand held unit and enables captureddata and/or stored data and/or commands to be transmitted to and/orreceived from other compatible devices and/or remote processing centresvia a telephone network. Preferably the telecommunications interface isan interface for connection to a wireless telephony network, such as acellular telephone network interface. This provides for a particularlyadvantageous implementation of the invention, where the hand held unitcan be operated in a similar fashion to a standard portable cellularphone, and can thus be used without the need to plug the device into,for example, a conventional wired telephone network. Cellular telephonenetworks are now common place and give a very wide area of coverage.This facilitates the use of the hand held unit in several convenientlocations, for example, a user's home or workplace.

Alternatively, the telecommunications interface can be a satellitetelephone network interface, or some other form of wireless telephoneinterface, for example a telephone interface for a telephone networkbased on highly localised transponder stations. Where thetelecommunications interface is intended to interface with an analoguetelephone network, the telecommunications interface includes a modem.

In other embodiments of the device the telecommunications interfacecould include radio frequency (RF) and/or optical transmitters andreceivers, or indeed other types of transmitters and receivers.

In a preferred embodiment of the device one or more standard PCMCIA cardslots are incorporated into the hand held device to increase both itsoverall functionality and flexibility. Consequently the hand held unitcan utilise additional PCMCIA cards to achieve the desired functionalityfor the users potential application.

PCMCIA cards can be divided into two functional categories, Memory andInput/Output (I/O) cards. Example types of each category are given belowand include:

Memory Cards containing one of the following technologies:

Masked ROM

Battery Backed SRAM

UV EPROM

One Time Programmable (OTP) ROM

EEPROM

FLASH PROM

I/O cards containing one of the following peripherals:

Local Area Network Interfaces

FAX Modems

Hard Disk

Cellular Phone Interfaces

Wireless Communications

3270 Terminal Emulators

Serial, Parallel and SCSI Ports

Imaging Cards

Data Encryption

Data Acquisition

The provision of the hand held unit having one or more standard PCMCIAcard slots consequently enables the unit to utilise PCMCIA cards to meetthe memory and I/O requirements of any potential user applications.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention an easily attachable anddetachable rechargeable power source is included for connection to thedevice. An integrated and/or separate charger unit can then be providedwith associated electrical connections for recharging the rechargeablepower source.

In some embodiments of the invention, the system can comprise a baseunit separate from the hand held unit, wherein the base unit and thehand held unit are provided with a wireless data link which is operablefor bidirectional data transfer between the hand held unit and the baseunit, and wherein the base unit includes a telecommunications interfacefor telephonic transmission of data and/or images and/or commands. Inthis embodiment the wireless data link preferably comprises, in the baseunit and the hand held unit, radio frequency (RF) transmitters and/orreceivers which allow a two way RF data link for transferring data fromthe hand held unit to the base unit and/or from the base unit to thehand held unit. This transfer of data can consequently take placeindependently of whether the hand held unit is in the base unit or not.In other embodiments it could comprise respective optical, rather thanradio frequency, transmitters and receivers, or indeed other types oftransmitters and receivers.

A system comprising a hand held unit with or without a base unit asdescribed above, can also include means for displaying a plurality ofselectable items with associated data sources for user selection of anitem by operation of the hand held unit and a remote processing centrefor processing user selections transmitted from the hand held unit. Thecontroller in the hand held unit is preferably arranged to respond toappropriate commands input, for example via the reading head, to issuecoded instructions via the telecommunications interface to the dataprocessing centre and to receive programming data (e.g., relating toinformation for selectable items) from the programming centre forstorage in the hand held unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hand held unit includesa three way semi-lockable rotational pivot and/or a rotationalreflective mirror(s) and/or an electronically manipulated substrate, allof which can be electronically controlled and/or adjusted by anadjustable thumbwheel and/or keypad, either of which can both change theviewing position of the reading head and alter the primary function ofthe system. The rotational thumbwheel is preferably a small circulardevice which is located in a suitable and comfortable position on thetop or side of the device preferably nearest the display screen.Depending on the viewing position of the reading head the device isprogrammed to serve various primary functions.

Preferably the reading head has three positions:

In position 1 the reading head is in a vertical position and faces up topoint at the user.

In position 2 the reading head is in a horizontal position and faces outhorizontally from the user.

In position 3 the reading head is in a vertical position and faces downto point away from the user.

In a preferred embodiment of the hand held unit some potentialapplications for these three positions are:

Position 1: Allows the capture of the end users face to enable a videoteleconferencing capability between another compatible device either inthe field, at home or place of work. This feature simply adds a bettermedium of communication compared with only voice transmission. In thisposition the user would hold the device much like a calculator ratherthan a portable phone device and speak into the microphone.

Position 2: Allows the user easy access to capture images to facilitatethe identification of products and/or items and/or persons, for exampleinformation such as bar codes, dot codes, blob codes or in effect anysuitably coded data or distinctive feature which can be used foridentification purposes.

Position 3: Allows the user to capture data and/or images below thedevice while viewing the self same data and/or image on the displayscreen. The hand held units functionality is essentially the same as inposition 2 however this position facilitates the capture of documents,fingerprints, and signatures, or any data and/or image pointed to by theuser. With the inclusion of character or image recognition logic thisallows graphical or alphanumeric data representations to be captureddirectly. This captured data and/or image can then be stored and/ortransmitted to other compatible devices and/or remote processingcentres. Other potential devices include printers and fax machines,giving the functionality of a photocopier.

In each position the controller in conjunction with associated lensingoptimally determines the correct focusing to allow the correct captureof information and assists the user in obtaining a good read, which issuitably indicated by a combination of audio and/or visual feedback.Thus, for example, when information is correctly read, a beep can besounded and a green indicator light illuminated, and when information isincorrectly read, two beeps could be sounded and a red indicator lightilluminated. Alternatively, appropriate synthetic or recorded voicemessages could be output and a visual indicator displayed on the displayscreen.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hand held unit includesa keypad area to allow the user to input commands and data, or alter theoperational states of the device to predetermined functions, e.g.power-up and power-down. Furthermore the keypad area can be complementedor replaced by a touch screen area which can function as a keypad and/orpen based scribing facility.

Preferably, there is provided a means for scrolling the display in fourdirections, up, down, left, and right to allow the display of more thanone data item. The scrolling of the display enables a large number ofitems to be accessed with a relatively compact display. A number ofalternative methods for scrolling the display can be incorporated intothe hand held device, such as through the use of the touch screen and/orkeypad areas, and/or voiced commands.

Consequently a system in accordance with the invention, especially asystem comprising a hand held unit including a telecommunicationsinterface for use with a wireless telephony system, such as a cellularnetwork telephone system, provides a particularly advantageous devicefor use, for example, for “home shopping”. It enables the user to makeshopping selections from a catalogue or from a series of optionsdisplayed on a television screen from the comfort of his or her homewithout the need to connect the device to a conventional telephonenetwork. Additionally such a system finds particular application wherethe user of the system is travelling from place to place and may need toperform data entry functions when they are far from a conventional wiredtelephone network socket.

The system as described above preferably includes some form of userverification. This user verification can take many forms, such as averification card (e.g., a credit card, a smart card, a payment or othervalidation card), a personal identification number (PIN), a signature, afingerprint, a voice signature, or any other such information which canbe safely used for verification purposes. Consequently the operation ofthe hand held unit can be limited to suitably authorised users.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich like reference numerals are used for like features and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views of a substantially rectangularshaped, hand held device.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are schematic views of a base unit for use withthe hand held device of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the functional elements of thefirst example of a hand held device as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the functional elements of atelephone network interface which forms part of the hand held device asshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the functional elements of aPCMCIA Card for use with the hand held device of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the functional elements of aclip-on enclosure for use with the hand held device of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the functional elements of a baseunit as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D for use with the hand helddevice of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3.

FIG. 8 is an overview of a system comprising a plurality of hand helddevices, such as is illustrated in the preceding Figures, linked viarespective telephone connections to a Central Processing Unit.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the functional elements of afarther example of a hand held device as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1Bimplemented using an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components in the ASICforming part of the apparatus of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views from above and below respectively,of one embodiment of the hand held device which is substantiallyrectangular in shape and which will hereinafter, for reasons ofconciseness only, be referred to as the “Multiphone 20”. The Multiphone20 is intended to be held for essentially one handed operation in thepalm of the hand, and grasped between the thumb and forefingers, in asimilar manner to a standard mobile telephone.

The Multiphone 20 has a rectangular body 1, in the present example,external dimensions are approximately 180 mm by 70 mm by 20 mm(Height×Width×Depth respectively), although the dimensions may be largeror smaller as desired subject to technical limitations. An aerial 1suitable for wireless communications connected to associated transmitterand receiver logic, and a reading head 2, for example a camera orinfra-red optical reading head (e.g. laser diode), suitable forcapturing data and/or images, are located at one end of the Multiphone20. Other types of reading head may be provided. The reading head ispreferably interchangeable through the use of a clip-on enclosure 99, toallow the use of different types of reading heads. An adjustmentthumbwheel 3, connected to the clip-on enclosure 99 by suitable means(e.g. a gearbox), allows the reading head to be adjusted to variousworking positions.

On the upper surface of the Multiphone 20 shown in FIG. 1A a displayscreen 4, is provided to convey functional information to the user. Thedisplay screen preferably comprises a conventional two-dimensionalcolour array of pixels which can be selectively activated in order toprovide the display of a wide range of displayable items. However, in alow cost version of the Multiphone 20, the display may be configuredonly to display a predetermined range of monochrome characters andsymbols, this reducing the complexity of the display and the controllinglogic and thus reducing the cost as will be well understood by oneskilled in the art.

Any suitable display technology can be used which enables the displayedinformation to be read over a wide enough angular range such that it canalways be read by the user when the Multiphone 20 is held at variousangles suitable for capturing data and/or images. In this way it is notnecessary to change the orientation of the Multiphone 20 in order toread the display.

A keypad area 6 and a touch screen area 12 are provided to allow theuser to input commands and/or data. These areas are used to control thebasic operation of the Multiphone 20. A removable stylus pen 28 isprovided for use with the system to allow the touch screen area 12 toincorporate a pen based scribing facility. This pen is convenientlylocated in a retractable compartment 19 which is located in a suitableand comfortable position on the top or side of the device preferablynearest the top of the device. The user can also interact with the unitvia the speaker 5, the microphone 9, and an earphone (not shown) via theearphone plug-in receptacle 15. Additionally the unit can be connectedto a Video Display Unit (VDU) (not shown) via the plug-in receptacle 13,a keyboard (not shown) via the plug-in receptacle 14, and a RS232 cable(not shown) via the plug-in receptacle 40. Various PCMCIA memory and I/Ocards can be incorporated into the hand held unit through the use of thePCMCIA slot(s) 10, as will be described in more detail later.

The Multiphone 20 can be powered and recharged from a standard AC/DCpower supply (not shown) with a suitable jack plug via the plug-inreceptacle 16. On the underside of the Multiphone 20, shown in FIG. 1B,first and second electrical contacts 7 and 8 and a removable batterycover 17 covering a battery compartment are suitably located. As analternative to a compartment for removable batteries, a removable and/orfixed rechargeable battery pack could be provided instead. In all casesthe electrical contacts 7 and 8 are conveniently arranged to co-operatewith corresponding contacts 24 and 25 in the base unit 27, yet to bedescribed, for charging the rechargeable batteries.

In addition to the display 4 a set of indicator lights 18 and 39, (e.g.LED's), are used to advise the user on the correct usage and currentoperational state of the Multiphone 20. The indicator light 18 is usedto report successful capture of data and/or images, and is also usedduring video teleconferencing to indicate the correct usage of thedevice. The indicator light 39 is used to report when the Multiphone 20is in the process of recharging its rechargeable batteries and is alsoused to inform the user when the batteries require to be recharged orreplaced by flashing on and off repeatedly when the Multiphone 20 is inuse.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which are schematic views fromabove, face on, side on, and again side on, respectively, of oneembodiment of the base unit 27 for use with the Multiphone 20 of FIGS.1A and 1B.

The base unit 27 includes a generally rectangular housing 82 with twoflanges 29 and 30 which hold the Multiphone 20 in a resting positionwhen the device is in the base unit. The resting position is alsodetermined by the location/recharging platform 31 which contains thefirst and second electrical contacts 24 and 25. As previously statedthese electrical contacts are conveniently arranged to co-operate withthe corresponding contacts 7 and 8 in the Multiphone 20 for charging therechargeable battery (53, FIG. 3). The two flanges 29 and 30 ensure thatwhen the Multiphone 20 is located in the base unit 27 that it isproperly secured. Additionally the location/recharging platform 31provides sufficient clearance at the base of the Multiphone 20 to ensurecontinued use of any PCMCIA cards which may be occupying the PCMCIAslot(s) 10.

An indicator light 26 is used when the rechargeable battery (53, FIG. 3)in the Multiphone 20 is inserted in the base unit to indicate that thebattery is charging. The rechargeable battery can be placed into thebase unit on its own or when connected to the Multiphone 20.

Electrical power is supplied to the base unit 27 from a standard AC/DCpower supply (not shown) via a power cable 21 with a suitable jack plug(not shown) plugged into the plug-in receptacle 38. The side of thehousing 82 is also provided with a socket 37 for a standard telephoneplug for connecting the base unit 27 to a telephone line 22.

Fold away legs 33 and 35, which are connected to the base unit 27 viapivots 32 and 34 respectively, allow the user to alter the viewing angleof the Multiphone 20 when located in the base unit 27.

FIGS. 2C and 2D show schematics views of the base unit from side on toillustrate their function. Leg 35 can be unclipped from the main body ofthe base unit 27, and positioned via pivot 34. In doing so, the leg 33can also be positioned via pivot 32 and a semi-lockable sliding guide36.

An aerial 23 suitable for wireless communication, connected toassociated transmitter and receiver logic, is located on the top of thebase unit 27. This aerial 23 in conjunction with the aerial 1 located onthe Multiphone 20, enables the wireless transferred of data between thebase unit 27 and the Multiphone 20.

Turning now to FIG. 3, which is a schematic block diagram of thefunctional elements of the Multiphone 20. A processor 41 is preferablyformed by a conventional programmable microprocessor (e.g., an Intel8031, an Intel 80386, etc.), although a special purpose or speciallyconfigured unit (e.g., a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and/or an ASIC)could alternatively be used (compare FIG. 9). A read only memory (ROM)42 is connected via a bus 43 to the processor 41 for the storage ofcontrol programs, data and images. The ROM 42 can be implemented by anyappropriate technology, for example by a flash PROM. A random accessmemory (RAM 44 (for example a 128 K low power static RAM, or highercapacity RAM, e.g., a 256 K, 512 K, 5 Mb, etc., RAM) is connected to theprocessor via the bus 43. The RAM 44 is used as working storage and forthe storage of data and images captured using the camera 2.

Signals relating to data captured by the camera 2 are passed via thecamera interface 49 to the processor 41 to be processed. The camerainterface 49 also provides the video CODEC 50 with a digitalrepresentation of the captured data from the camera 2, where it can besuitably processed for display and/or telephonic transmission.

An indicator light 18, connected to the processor 41, is used to reportsuccessful capture of data and/or images from the Camera 2, and is alsoused during video teleconferencing to indicate the correct usage of thedevice.

The camera interface 49 carries out all the necessary signalconditioning as required on receiving signals from the camera 2. Thesignal conditioning will depend on the exact configuration of the cameraand preferably comprises signal conditioning to enable accurateanalogue-to-digital conversion (ADC), with sufficient buffering of thecaptured data as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment of the device the camera 2 will include anintegrated image sensing array and associated signal processingcircuitry with all the necessary support circuitry to produce a fullyfunctional camera delivering a fully formatted composite video signaland automatic exposure control. The camera 2 preferably also includes aprocessor for sensor control reduction, a voltage regulator for powersupply control and an emitter-follower output buffer to directly drive astandard Video Display Unit (VDU). An example of such a camera is theVVL1063 miniature monochrome on chip camera.

The position of the camera 2 can be adjusted via the thumbwheel 3 and/ora servo motor 65. The servo motor 65 is connected to the processor 41via a servo controller 64. Consequently the user can alter the primaryfunction of the Multiphone 20, as mention previously, via the thumbwheel3 and/or the keypad 6. A more detailed discussion of the mechanicalfunction of the servo motor 65 and thumbwheel 3 will be given withreference to the clip-on enclosure 99, which is described later in FIG.6.

A keypad 6 is connected via a keypad interface 51 to the processor 41.An additional keyboard (not shown) can also be connected to theprocessor 41 via a keyboard interface 83 through the keyboard plug-inreceptacle 14. The keypad 6 is also connected to a power control module(PCM) 52. This is because one of the keypad keys serves as a “power-up”key for turning the Multiphone 20 on or powering it up after it has beenpowered down. The PCM 52 responds to the operation of this key in apowered down state to connect the battery 53 to the processor 41.

The PCM 52 also controls the charging of the main battery 53 and thebackup battery 57 when the contacts 7 and 8 are connected to thecorresponding contacts 24 and 25 in the base unit 27, or when a standardAC/DC power supply jack is connected to the AC/DC power supply plug-inreceptacle 16, which is also connected to the PCM 52. The indicatorlight 39 (e.g., an LED) is connected to the PCM 52 to indicate when thebattery 53 is being charged and is also used to inform the user when thebatteries require to be recharged or replaced by flashing on and offrepeatedly when the Multiphone 20 is in use.

A display interface 45, which connects the displays 4 and 59 to the bus43, responds to display instructions from the processor to drive thedisplays in a conventional manner. The display interface alsoincorporates the necessary logic to drive a standard Video Display Unit(VDU) via the VDU connector 13.

A touch sensitive screen 12 for the display 59 is included in theMultiphone 20 to incorporate a general purpose touch sensitive area. Atouch screen interface 62 couples the touch sensitive screen to the bus43 so that data sensed by the touch sensitive screen can be communicatedto the processor 41. Although FIG. 3 shows a touch sensitive screen 12(e.g., an overlay) separate from a conventional display screen 59, anyapplicable touch sensitive screen technology can be used, either thoughthe use of an addition to an existing conventional display screen, orthe use of a display screen with integral touch sensitivity. One or moretouch sensitive areas can be defined on the touch sensitive screen area,in combination with the data displayed on the display screen, for theentry of commands and/or the selection of displayed items. Inparticular, the processor 41 can be arranged to display a menu of userselectable items and to be responsive to a location at which the screenis touched for input of a user selection of a menu item. The touchsensitive screen can then thus be used as a dynamic and reconfigurableuser interface. Touch screen entry can be used in place of or inaddition to the entry of commands from the keypad 6, and voicedcommands. Additionally the touch screen area can configured as a generalpurpose scribing area to allow the entry of data and written commands,and can be used for security purposes through the use of signaturerecognition.

An audio interface 63 carries out all the necessary signal conditioningas required to output audio signals to the speaker 5 and earphoneplug-in receptacle 15, and to receive audio signals from the highlysensitive microphone 9. In a preferred embodiment of the device theaudio interface and/or the processor 41 will perform all necessary noisereduction.

The Multiphone 20 can transmit and receive data via the RS232 interface61, the radio frequency (RF) interface 46 and the telephone networkinterface 58 as will be described in more detail below. In otherembodiments of the Multiphone 20 the device can also include otherinterfaces such as a fibre optic interface and/or a standard parallelinterface as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

A standard RS232 connector 40, connected to the bus 43 via a RS232interface 61, is provided to allow the connection of other compatibledevices to the Multiphone 20, through a standard RS232 cable and/or aradio frequency (RF) link.

A radio frequency (RF) interface 46 is also connected to the bus 43 toconvert data to be transmitted into signals for driving the RFtransmitter 47, and converts signals from the RF receiver 48 into datato be passed to the bus 43. The RF transmitter 47 and RF receiver 48 areconnected to the aerial 1, which focuses and converts RF energy forreception and transmission into space. This radio frequency interface 46consequently enables wireless communication between the Multiphone 20and any other compatible device over a limited range, typically 50 to1000 meters.

A telephone network interface 58, incorporating transmitter and receiverlogic designed to operate at higher frequencies, is connected to the bus43 to allow wireless communication between the Multiphone 20 and anyother compatible device over a longer range, utilising a standardcellular and/or satellite network. The telephone network interface 58 isconnected to the aerial 1. A more detailed discussion of the functionalelements of the telephone network interface 58 is given later withreference to FIG. 4.

Since the transmitter and receive logic of both the RF interface 46 andthe telephone network interface 58 utilise the same aerial 1, it isnecessary that the processor 41 can control their operational states.Additionally since it is also essential that the aerial 1 is designed tooperate over a wide frequency range, an expandable and/or replaceableand/or interchangeable aerial can be suitably provided.

The Multiphone 20 includes a PCMCIA controller 60 to manage theinterface between the PCMCIA cards 84, 85, and 86, and the bus 43. ThePCMCIA controller 60 is connected to the PCMCIA cards 84, 85, and 86 viastandard 68 pin PCMCIA connectors 54, 55, and 56. A PCMCIA powerinterface (not shown), which is incorporated into the power controlmodule (PCM) 52, provides the PCMCIA cards 84, 85, and 86 with all theirnecessary power and voltage requirements.

In a preferred embodiment of the device the PCMCIA controller 60 willconsist of a suitable chipset which is commonly available from severalIC manufactures. Alternatively the PCMCIA controller 60 can beimplemented using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and/or anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or indeed any othercomparable technology.

The processor 41 is programmed by means of control programs and datastored in the ROM 42 and in use, in the RAM 44, to receive signals fromthe camera interface 49, to interpret those signals and to derive datatherefrom which are displayed on the display 4 and which can be storedin the RAM 44 or any suitable PCMCIA memory devices occupying one ormore of the PCMCIA slots 54, 55, or 56.

FIG. 4 illustrates in more detail the telephone network interface 58shown previously in FIG. 3. The telephone network interface 58 comprisesa duplexer 69 which is connected to an aerial 1. The duplexer 69 isconnected to a transmitter 66 and to a receiver 67, the function ofwhich are synchronised by the coordinator 68. Both the transmitter andthe receiver support both analogue FM and digital time division multipleaccess (TDMA) schemes. The transmitter 66 converts the audio signal to aradio frequency (RF) signal, and the receiver 67 converts an RF signalto an audio signal. The aerial 1 focuses and converts RF energy forreception and transmission into space. The transmitter receives asuitably conditioned audio signal from the microphone 9, whilst thereceiver transmits an audio signal through the speaker 5 and/or earphonesocket 15, all via the audio interface 63 (not shown).

FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of the functionalelements of the PCMCIA Card 84 for use with the Multiphone 20 as shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B. The PCMCIA Card 84 consists of three functionalelements:

PCMCIA Card Interface 87

Memory or Peripheral Logic 88

Card Information Structure (CIS) ROM 89

The PCMCIA card interface 87 of the PCMCIA card 84 contains all thenecessary elements required to implement the desired functionality ofthe PCMCIA card and typically contains the following blocks:

PCMCIA Configuration Registers

Bus Interface Logic

Address Buffers

Data buffers

EPROM Control

Common and Attribute Memory Control

Application Specific Functions

In PCMCIA memory cards the Memory or Peripheral Logic 88 often consistsof memory only and seldom needs additional logic, whilst in PCMCIA I/Ocards the Memory or Peripheral Logic 88 is logic intensive and isusually implemented through the use of a manufactures chipset which isplaced onto the card using small package types.

The Card Information Structure (CIS) ROM 89 is a memory block on thecard that tells the host device what function the card is to perform.This is a byte-wide PROM that exists on every PCMCIA card.

FIG. 6 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of the functionalelements of the clip-on enclosure 99 for use with the Multiphone 20 asshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The clip-on enclosure 99 houses a camera 2which is mounted on a rotational printed circuit board (PCB) 91centrally located on a pivotal axis 98. The rotational PCB 91 isconnected to the Multiphone's motherboard 100 through electricalconnectors 117 and 90 via a flexible electrical circuit ribbon 118.

A servo motor 65, controlled by the processor (41, FIG. 3) via a servocontroller (64, FIG. 3), can be used to rotate the rotational PCB 91through 180° into three distinct functional positions. Additionally athumbwheel (3, FIG. 3), connected to the main body of the Multiphone 20,can be used to rotate the rotational PCB 91 through the use of a gearingmechanism (not shown) which is incorporated into the clip-on enclosure99.

In each functional position, respective lensing 93, 94, and 95,incorporated in the lens body 96, assists in the correct focusing of thecamera 2. Each lens 93, 94, and 95 is manufactured to meet theparticular functional requirements of their respective positions, asmentioned previously. The camera 2 is also shrouded from incomingambient light by the camera shroud 92 which is connected to therotational PCB 91. The camera shroud 92 may incorporate one or morelight sources 97 (e.g. LED's, and/or Laser Diodes) to assist the user inobtaining a good read.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the functional elements of thebase unit 27 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. A power control module (PCM)101 is supplied with electrical power from a standard AC/DC power supply(not shown) via a power cable 21 with a suitable jack plug (not shown)plugged into the plug-in receptacle 38. The PCM 101 is connected tofirst and second electrical contacts 24 and 25 so that, when theMultiphone 20 is located in the base unit 27, the rechargeable batteries53 and 57 can be recharged. An indicator light 26 is connected to thePCM 101 and is used to indicate that the rechargeable batteries 53 and57 are charging. The PCM 101 also supplies power to the other elementsof the base unit 27 via supply lines which are represented schematically(for reasons of drawing simplicity) by the arrows 103.

It will be appreciated that in addition to the use of a standard AC/DCpower supply for use with the Multiphone 20 and base unit 27 an adapterfor connection to, for example, a 12 volt DC supply from a car may alsobe provided.

A modem 102 is connected via a radio frequency (RF) interface 110 to aRF receiver 108 and a RF transmitter 109. The RF interface 110 convertssignals from the RF receiver 108 to data to be passed to the modem 102and converts data from the modem 102 to signals to be transmitted by theRF transmitter 109. A further interface (e.g. a standard RS232interface—not shown) for connection to a personal computer (not shown)could also be provided. Also a socket for a connection to a standardtelephone handset (not shown) could be provided. The modem 102 can be aconventional modem generally comprising a master control unit 106, adata pump 107 and memory 104. The master control unit 106 is connectedto receive data from the RF interface 110 (and/or from a RS232interface, if a personal computer is connected). Data from the data pump107 is coupled via a line interface 105 to the telephone line 22 via astandard telephone socket 37. The data pump 107 can also be connectedvia an audio interface (not shown) to a speaker (not shown) formonitoring the transmission of data via the telephone line 22.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a system comprising a pluralityof Multiphone units 20 connected via respective telephone connections 22(telephone lines, wireless telephone channels, etc.) to a CentralProcessing Unit 111. In this system data and/or images, and/or storedinformation can be transmitted and received between the individualMultiphones/base units 20/27 and the Central Processing Unit 111. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, the Multiphones/base units 20/27are used for the placing of orders for merchandise and the CentralProcessing Unit 111 processes those orders and dispatches them to theusers. Additionally the Central Processing Unit 111 can be used totransmitted and/or receive the following information:

Update information relating to merchandisable items.

Software and/or firmware programs for use with the Multiphone 20.

Still or motion images.

Clearly this list is not exhaustive and as such any information suitablefor transmission via a telephone network can be transmitted and/orreceived.

In a preferred embodiment of the Multiphone 20 the software stored inthe ROM (42, FIG. 3) permits the loading of data from the centralprocessing unit or another compatible remote device. The programming isperformed using a series of commands preceded by dot codes. Theprogramming commands are thus known as “dot” commands and cover a numberof standard operations as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Inthis way, a significant amount of catalogue data and/or program softwareand/or images can be held in the central processing unit and be sent tothe Multiphone 20 as and when required. Where programs are to bedownloaded, rewritable program storage will be needed in the Multiphone20, for example by implementing the ROM (42, FIG. 3) in flash PROMtechnology.

Preferably there is a security system implemented in the Multiphone 20to prevent the unauthorised updating of data One such security systemcan be implemented through the use of data encryption. In this systemeach Multiphone 20 is issued with a unique encryption key from a centralprocessing unit and/or the service provider. Consequently data to betransmitted to that device is encrypted using that devices own specificencryption key. Consequently only that specific Multiphone 20 cansuccessfully receive and decode this transmitted data. As an additionalsecurity method the encryption key of each Multiphone 20 can be updatedby the central processing unit and/or the service provider at willand/or on each occasion the Multiphone 20 is in contact with the centralprocessing unit and/or service provider. This can be implemented throughthe use of rewritable program storage in the Multiphone 20, for exampleby implementing the ROM (42, FIG. 3) in EEPROM technology.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 is implemented using an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), although a conventional microprocessor andexternal hardware could be used. Likewise, it will be appreciated thatthe embodiments described with reference to the previous Figures couldalso be implemented using an ASIC or other equivalent technology insteadof a microprocessor (e.g. a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and/or FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA)).

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the ASIC performs the majority of thenecessary processing functions of the device including:

accepting data from the camera 2.

processing the data received from the camera 2.

controlling an interface to the camera 2, the functions of the camerainterface 49 being performed in the ASIC.

controlling a servo controller 64 connected to a servo motor 64, thefunctions of the servo controller 64 being performed in the ASIC.

accepting data from the keypad 6.

controlling an interface to the keypad 6, the functions of the keypadinterface 51 being performed in the ASIC.

accepting data from the optional personal computer (PC) keyboard (notshown) via plug-in receptacle 14.

controlling an interface to a standard Personal Computer keyboard (notshown), the functions of the keyboard interface 83 being performed inthe ASIC.

driving the indicator 18.

controlling the flow of data in and out of the RAM 44.

controlling the flow of data in and out of the ROM 42.

controlling the flow of data in and out of the video CODEC 50, thefunctions of the video CODEC 50 being performed in the ASIC.

interfacing with the power control module 52.

implementing the modem function for use with an analogue telephonysystem and also providing the necessary processing and control forintegration with a digital telephony system and/or cellular telephonenetwork.

controlling the loudspeaker 5 and earphone via the earphone plug-inreceptacle 15, permitting the progress of calls to be monitored.

accepting input from a microphone 9 to enable the Multiphone incombination with the camera 2 and loudspeaker 5 and earphone (not shown)to operate as a hand set for the purposes of audio and/or visualtelephony.

controlling an interface to the displays 4 and 59 and VDU connector 13,the functions of the display interface 45 being performed in the ASIC.

controlling an interface to the touch screen 12, the functions of thetouch screen interface 62 being performed in the ASIC.

controlling an interface to an RF transmitter 47 and RF receiver 48 toenable the wireless transfer of data via an RF link to anothercompatible device, the functions of the RF interface 46 being performedin the ASIC.

controlling an interface to a RS232 connector 40, the functions of theRS232 interface 61 being performed in the ASIC.

controlling a PCMCIA controller 60 connected to the PCMCIA cards 84, 85,and 86, the functions of the PCMCIA controller 60 being performed in theASIC.

FIG. 10 illustrates in more detail the configuration of the ASIC 112.

The ASIC comprises the system controller 113 that controls the operationof the Multiphone 20 and of its associated components. In thisembodiment the system controller 113 consists of a microcontroller coreincorporated into the ASIC. In other embodiments it could consist ofsome other control means using, for example, one or more finite statemachines.

The microcontroller receives requests via the internal bus 116 which isconnected to the external bus 43 illustrated in FIG. 9. However, in analternative embodiment where the system controller 113 consist of anumber of finite state machines, then control would be by means of thefixed interconnection of the logic in the fixed state machines.

If the system controller 113 is a microcontroller core, then the datathat controls its operation is stored in an internal ROM 114 togetherwith the external ROM 42. Alternatively, there could be no internal ROM114 and the system controller 113 will then obtain all the data from theexternal ROM 42. Alternatively, again, the internal ROM 114 could beused exclusively without an external ROM 42. However, this would reducethe flexibility of the device. The use of the internal ROM 114 isadvantageous where a pre-defined amount of the operations to beperformed are fixed for all Multiphone 20 types, whilst the remainder ofthe operation is dependent on a particular model, to take account forexample of language variations, methods used to enter data, etc. Theinternal RAM 115 in the ASIC can be used by the system controller 113 asa scratch pad RAM to speed up operations and in order to reserve themaximum amount of external RAM 44 for the storage of the main data. This“main data” includes such data as catalogue data and/or program softwareand/or images which can be down-loaded by telephonic transmissions froma central processing unit.

The internal RAM 115 could be used as a short term data store leavingthe external RAM 44 to store the main data, the data in external RAM 44being retained by the battery 53. An additional backup battery 57 isprovided for data retention to prevent the loss of data from theexternal RAM 44 or the internal RAM 115 in the event of failure of thebattery 53.

Signals relating to data captured by the camera 2 are passed via thecamera interface 49 to the system controller to be processed. The camerainterface 49 also provides the video CODEC 50 with a digitalrepresentation of the captured data from the camera 2, where it can besuitably processed for display and/or telephonic transmission.

An indicator light 18, connected to the system controller 113, is usedto report successful capture of data and/or images from the Camera 2,and is also used during video teleconferencing to indicate the correctusage of the device

The camera interface 49 carries out all the necessary signalconditioning as required on receiving signals from the camera 2. Thesignal conditioning will depend on the exact configuration of the cameraand preferably comprises signal conditioning to enable accurateanalogue-to-digital conversion (ADC), with sufficient buffering of thecaptured data as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

The system controller 113 can electronically adjust the position of thecamera 2 by controlling the servo motor 65 via the servo controller 64.Consequently the user can alter the primary function of the Multiphone20, via the keypad 6.

The keypad interface 51 responds to the operation of the keypad 6 andensures that the system controller 113 receives appropriate signals asrequired by the particular key pressed. The keypad interface 51 alsoensures that this signal is devoid of bounce (e.g. resulting from themultiple operation of a key due to the spring operation within the keymechanism). An additional keyboard interface 83, which serves the samefunction as the keypad interface 51, allows the system controller 113 toreceive appropriate signals from a standard Personal Computer (PC)keyboard.

The system controller 113 is interfaced with and receives electricalpower from the power control module (PCM) 52.

A display interface 45 enables the system controller 113 to drive thedisplays 4 and 59 in a conventional manner and also incorporates thenecessary logic to drive a standard Video Display Unit (VDU) via the VDUconnector 13.

A touch screen interface 62 enables the system controller 113 to sensedata from the touch sensitive screen 12 as described previously withreference to FIG. 3.

An audio interface 63, which is controlled by the system controller 113,carries out all the necessary signal conditioning required to allow themicrophone 9, the speaker 5 and earphone plug-in receptacle 15 toprovide standard audio telephony transmission or to allow the systemcontroller 113 to transfer the data over the telephony network using, inthe present embodiment, conventional cellular telephone technology.

The audio interface 63 thus enables the Multiphone 20 to be used as aconventional cellular telephone for the transmission of audio signals.In conventional telephony mode the system controller 113 receivessignals from the microphone 9, via the audio interface 63, and performsall the necessary digital signal processing (DSP) operations required totransmit the signal over a telephone network. These digital signalprocessing operations can comprise, as will be apparent to one skilledin the art, conventional operations of buffering the microphone 9 tofilter out any frequencies which are not required for transmission (e.g.any introduced noise and distortion). The system controller 113 thendirects this processed signal to the telephone network interface 58 tobe transmitted. Received audio data from the telephone network interface58 is directed via the system controller 113 to the audio interface 63which performs all the necessary signal conditioning to pass the signalto the speaker 5 and earphone plug-in receptacle 15.

In the data transfer mode, the telephone network interface 58, whichincorporates transmitter and receiver logic, allow wirelesscommunication between the Multiphone 20 and any other compatible device,utilising a standard cellular and/or satellite network. The telephonenetwork interface 58 is connected to the aerial 1, which focuses andconverts RF energy for reception and transmission into space. Thefunctional elements of the telephone network interface 58 wherediscussed previously with reference to FIG. 4, and as such will not bediscussed again here.

A standard RS232 connector 40, is connected to the system controller 113via a RS232 interface 61, to allow the connection of other compatibledevices to the Multiphone 20, through a standard RS232 cable and/orradio frequency (RF) link.

A radio frequency (RF) interface 46 is also incorporated into the ASIC112 to convert data to be transmitted into signals for driving the RFtransmitter 47, and converts signals from the RF receiver 48 into datato be passed to the system controller 113. The RF transmitter 47 and RFreceiver 48 are connected to the aerial 1, which again focuses andconverts RF energy for reception and transmission into space. This radiofrequency interface 46 consequently enables wireless communicationbetween the Multiphone 20 and any other compatible device.

Lastly the ASIC 112 incorporates a PCMCIA controller 60 to manage theinterface between the PCMCIA cards 84, 85, and 86, through the PCMCIAconnectors 54, 55, and 56.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been describedhereinabove, it will be appreciated that several modifications and/oradditions are possible within the scope of the present invention.

It can be appreciated that other forms of interfaces can be incorporatedinto the hand held unit to utilise various forms of data transmission(e.g. a fibre optic interface).

As an example, additional elements can be incorporated into the handheld unit to enable the reception of television transmissions viavarious wire and/or wireless transmissions (e.g. via telephone lines,fibre optic cables, UHF and satellite transmissions) to allow both theviewing of standard television pictures on the display 4 and/or a videodisplay unit (VDU) and/or a standard television. These televisionpictures can also be compressed and stored in a suitable medium (e.g. aPCMCIA memory card) in the Multiphone 20 and/or a central processingunit. These stored television pictures can then be decompressed ondemand and viewed on the display 4 and/or a VDU and/or a standardtelevision to enable a form of video on demand. The televisiontransmissions can also be used to allow the rapid updating of data heldin the Multiphone's internal and external memory.

Furthermore it can be appreciated that the hand held unit can bedesigned to incorporate additional elements such as frequency adjustmentlogic to allow for the wireless transmission and reception of data overa much wider frequency range (e.g. from 500 Hz to 10 GHz) as required byvarious potential user applications. In such cases it is conceived thata multi-functional and/or additional aerial would be required.

Although in the presently preferred embodiments described above both thehand held unit and base unit are configured to be substantiallyrectangular in shape, it will be appreciated that both units could beconfigured in other shapes as desired by other applications. It willalso be appreciated that it may be desirable and/or necessary to changethe position of each constituent element of both the hand held unit andbase unit to maximise such design factors as reliability,maintainability, and ergonomics.

I claim:
 1. A personal communication device, comprising: a display fordisplaying data and video signals; a loudspeaker for generating anaudible signal; a microphone for receiving an audio signal; a keypad forentering data; a telecommunications interface for receiving andtransmitting information; and an internal multi-position andmulti-function reading head for producing an image signal when in afirst position using a first lensing and for reading for imageconversion using a second lensing when in a second position.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the reading head is a camera.
 3. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the reading head is a laser diode.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the reading head is part of a clip-on unit.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the reading head includes a rotational pivotwhich rotates to three positions.
 6. The device of claim 5, furthercomprising respective lensing at each of the three positions.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the reading head includes a rotationalreflective mirror.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the reading headincludes a light source.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the readinghead further includes a shroud for the light source.
 10. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a thumbwheel for controlling the readinghead.
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a servo motor forcontrolling the reading head.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein thereading head and display are configured to allow simultaneous viewing ofan object and the image signal representing the object.
 13. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the image signal is MPEG-4 compatible.
 14. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the reading head is for reading coded data,and the display is for displaying material corresponding to the codeddata.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the coded data representsproduct identification codes.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein thetelecommunications interface is for cellular communication.
 17. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the telecommunications interface is forwireline communication.
 18. The device of claim 1, wherein thetelecommunications interface is for satellite communication.
 19. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the microphone, display and reading head areconfigured so that when the device is used as a telephone handset, auser can speak to the microphone while viewing an image on the display,and the reading head can pick up a frontal facial image of the user. 20.The device of claim 1, further comprising encryption and decryptionmeans having a key updatable via the telecommunications interface. 21.The device of claim 1, wherein the telecommunications interface includesfrequency adjustment logic.
 22. The device of claim 1, wherein thedevice is a handheld unit.
 23. The device of claim 1, wherein the deviceconsists of a handheld unit and a base unit connected by a wirelessbidirectional data link.
 24. The device of claim 1, further comprising aplug for an earphone.
 25. The device of claim 1, further comprisinginterfaces for a keyboard and a video display unit.
 26. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a radio frequency (RF) interface.
 27. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising an interface for a PCMCIA card.28. The device of claim 1, further comprising a television receiver. 29.The device of claim 28, further comprising storage for at least onetelevision picture.
 30. The device of claim 1, further comprisingrewritable storage, and means for selecting contents of the rewritablestorage for display.
 31. The device of claim 1, further comprisingmicrophone noise reduction circuitry.
 32. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a touch screen.
 33. The device of claim 1, further comprisingmeans for verifying the identity of a user.
 34. The device of claim 33,wherein the means for verifying is a recognizer for recognizing awritten signature.
 35. The device of claim 33, wherein the means forverifying is a recognizer for recognizing a fingerprint.
 36. The deviceof claim 33, wherein the means for verifying is a recognizer forrecognizing an image of the user.
 37. The device of claim 1, wherein thedevice is a handheld unit, and the reading head includes a rotationalpivot which rotates to three positions, and further comprising:respective lensing at each of the three positions; a thumbwheel forcontrolling the reading head; interfaces for a keyboard and a videodisplay unit; an interface for a PCMCIA card; and a touch screen.
 38. Apersonal communication system, comprising: a display for displaying dataand video signals; a loudspeaker for generating an audible signal; amicrophone for receiving an audio signal; a keypad for entering data; atelecommunications interface for receiving and transmitting information;a first interchangeable reading head for producing an image signal; anda second interchangeable reading head for one of character reading orencoded material scanning.
 39. The device of claim 38, wherein theinterchangeable reading head is part of a clip-on unit.
 40. Acommunications system, comprising: a plurality of personal communicationdevices, each of the personal communication devices including: a displayfor displaying data and video signals, a loudspeaker for generating anaudible signal, a microphone for receiving an audio signal, a keypad forentering data, a telecommunications interface for receiving andtransmitting information, and an internal adjustable multi-functionreading head moveable through a range of 180 degrees and having multiplesettable positions, a first of the positions having a first lensing forproducing an image signal and a second of the positions having a secondlensing different from the first; and a central processing facility forcommunicating with the plurality of personal communication devices. 41.A communications system, comprising: a plurality of personalcommunication devices, at least one of the personal communicationdevices including: a display for displaying data and video signals, aloudspeaker for generating an audible signal, a microphone for receivingan audio signal, a keypad for entering data, a telecommunicationsinterface for receiving and transmitting information, and a firstinterchangeable reading head for producing an image signal; at leastanother of the personal communication devices including a display fordisplaying data and video signals, a loudspeaker for generating anaudible signal, a microphone for receiving an audio signal, a keypad forentering data, a telecommunications interface for receiving andtransmitting information, and an internal adjustable multi-functionreading head moveable through a range of 180 degrees and having multiplesettable positions, a first of the positions having a first lensing forproducing an image signal and a second of the positions having a secondlensing different from the first; and a central processing facility forcommunicating with the plurality of personal communication devices.